Wet Disconnect Tool Telemetry and Pressure Compensation Downhole

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing well completion systems lack efficient and reliable methods for deploying electrical lower completions with real-time data communication and pressure compensation in hydrocarbon wells, particularly in harsh downhole environments.

Innovation Solution

A wireless telemetry system with a battery and modem section, electronics and sensors section, and pressure compensator system, integrated into a wet disconnect tool-running tool (WDT-RT), enabling bidirectional communication and maintaining positive pressure in chemical injection lines, using acoustic wireless telemetry and a spring-based pressure compensator to manage thermal and hydrostatic pressures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wireless telemetry and pressure compensator systems are integrated into the downhole tool, then real-time data communication and pressure management capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time data communication reliabilityVSAvoidtool structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is divided into distinct functional sections: a battery and telemetry section containing the modem and power source, an electronics and sensors section with the pressure compensator, and a chemical injection section. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while reducing overall system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modem is disposed alongside and parallel to the plurality of battery cells within the battery and telemetry section, creating a nested arrangement where communication hardware is integrated within the power section without requiring separate dedicated space, thereby managing complexity through space-efficient nesting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Loss of information

If acoustic wireless telemetry is used for communication, then real-time data transmission is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidbattery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic modem transmits data periodically rather than continuously, allowing real-time monitoring capabilities while conserving battery power during intervals between transmissions. This periodic communication strategy balances information freshness with energy conservation in the downhole environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Stability of the object's composition

If a spring-based pressure compensator system is used, then pressure stability in chemical lines is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure stability in chemical linesVSAvoidpressure compensator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-based pressure compensator is configured to automatically add positive pressure in chemical injection lines, compensate for thermal expansion and contraction, and maintain differential pressure without requiring external control systems or additional power sources. The spring mechanism self-regulates pressure based on thermal and hydrostatic conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Use of energy by moving object

If multiple battery cells are disposed circumferentially about a central core, then power capacity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery power capacityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The central core or mandrel serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the circumferentially arranged battery cells, acts as an axis for precise positioning during assembly, and serves as the central mounting point for the electronics and sensors section. This multi-functional design simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables real-time data communication and pressure management, allowing for quick decision-making and data storage, ensuring tool health monitoring and integrity, and maintaining pressure stability in chemical injection lines under extreme conditions.

Implementation Method 1

compensate for thermal expansion and/or contraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

a modem for acoustic wireless telemetry

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic wireless telemetry: Acoustics

Implementation Method 3

compensate for hydrostatic and/or applied pressure from surface to tubing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrostatic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS12352159B2Wireless electrical lower completion deployment

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods for wireless deployment of electrical lower completions are provided. A wet disconnect tool-running tool includes a battery and telemetry section, and electronics and sensors section, and a pressure compensator and control lines section.